SHOULD YOU GET A CAREER COACH? Yes! Read on to learn why.
Lola reflects while Roxy leaps into action. My two quite different dogs!
How are you feeling at work? Are you maybe reflecting on what could be or are you one of the millions who are taking action – either in the job you are in or by changing jobs or careers?
Either path might work for you, but you’re probably aware that the world of work is changing fast! Technology, local/global economies, flexible working, workplace wellbeing, climate change and the pandemic are some factors continuing to influence work. Job turnover is high, the nation has critical skills shortages, workers have more choice in how and where they work, and many are evaluating who they work for and why in a search for meaning.
There is a lot for you to work through in this undeniably key part of your life and future right? Investing in a career coach is investing in support for your ongoing career decisions be they big or small. Let me outline key benefits of doing so here:
Dedicated Space
You’ll have a dedicated space to focus on your career. Whether you want a new well-paying or in-demand job, to find a career that will suit you, to handle a difficult manager, develop your skills or future plan, coaching allows you to shift from self-talk to real talk. You will be taking action in a confidential space and will begin to make sense of things. As James Clear says in his book Atomic Habits
“Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become”.
Many clients wait too long before they seek career support and reach me burned out and exhausted from contemplating changes that don’t happen. My advice is don’t wait this long, sharing your story earlier can relieve that burden and allow you to start shifting sooner into a state of action.
Self-Knowledge
Coaching helps you understand yourself – to hear and see things in new ways. Discussing your work experiences, perhaps for the first time, allows you to rediscover what is most important to you, what interests you most, what energises and drains you and the kind of environments you thrive in. Clients often go from feeling stuck, confused or frustrated to feeling optimistic as they start to piece together a new working life that aligns with their unique values, needs, skills and interests.
I also find clients know things but don’t trust themselves or have lost all confidence, and working together provides them with that reassurance. Brene Brown’s research confirms this idea that many people are unwilling to trust their intuition and need assurance from others, to ‘share the load’.
Career Goals
Clear, realistic, and timely goals you can action are the tangible gold you will take from these sessions. Career coaches understand the labour market, how to get jobs, , prepare for interviews, brand yourself, network, develop leadership skills at work etc. – this is their expertise. Working together you will find clarity about where to focus your energy and have an ally to troubleshoot with and to motivate you to achieve your work goals.
Growth Mindset
Coaching can expose and challenge unhelpful thinking and behaviours; some of the tapes you may have been playing your whole life that are usually restricting you in some way. My own highly skilled coach Nick helped me see the possibilities when all I could see were blocks and barriers. Coaching supports you to create purposeful, positive habits and helpful self-talk. Clients gain confidence in their abilities and are ready to take their next career steps. Martin Seligman who wrote Learned Optimism says:
“Habits of thinking need not be forever. One of the most significant findings in psychology in the last twenty years is that individuals can choose the way they think”.
Finding a Career Coach.
Most of us will spend 2000+ at work in 2023. Why not start a dialogue with a Career Coach and be deliberate about that time - why not make an investment that will result in more confidence, clarity and career fulfilment?
The Career Development Association of Australia holds a register of Career Development Professionals who meet professional standards as laid out by CICA. Try to find someone you can talk to easily, make contact beforehand to ask questions or have a chat. Of course, you can always get in touch with me too.